Testimonials and Reviews

THE LONDON TRIO AT FARNHAM CASTLE

The Tilford Bach Society’s March concert was like a breath of spring, even if the weather outside did not match it. Haydn can always be relied on to raise sunshine and smiles, and the audience in the castle’s great hall was treated to two delightful trios by this composer as well as popular works by Bach, Mozart, Brahms and Elgar.

The London Trio, consisting of Richard Smith (violin), Lucy Shimidzu (piano) and Penelope Sapiro (cello), have built up a prestigious reputation in the capital since their formation in 2000 and the evening’s programme certainly demonstrated their versatility. In Mozart’s Trio in G, much admired by the older Haydn, the contrasts in mood from a dramatic Allegro to an elegant Andante and finally a light-hearted lively Rondo, were sensitively expressed. Then the sensuous melodies of Elgar’s ‘Chanson de Matin’ and ‘Chanson de Nuit’ transported us to the age of the Palm Court.

However, it was the performance of Brahms’s Hungarian Dances, brilliantly arranged for the trio by Lucy Shimidzu, that drew the most enthusiastic applause from the audience. Originally scored for piano, the addition of strings provided true gypsy passion, tugging at the heartstrings at one moment and whirling us away with breathtaking abandon at the next.

The Farnham Herald

The London trio played at Hammerson House by popular demand. The programme was varied to suit all tastes, performed by three delightful players. It was a musical conversation between violin, cello and piano, each voice equally important, sometimes engaged in fierce mounting argument; other times flowing in sweet agreement. At the end of the concert as the last notes died away, there was a hush, and a sense of utter peace, before we all returned to earth, uplifted and refreshed, to express our appreciation.

Terry Goodman
Hammerson House, The Bishop's Avenue, London

The London Trio’s recent performance at a wedding reception at Waterperry House near Oxford was sheer delight. They combined an artistic sensitivity with an energetic and highly polished performance which delighted the guests. Not to be missed!

Ann Garry
Garry Associates, London

The London Trio play with passion and precision, and involve the audience in their obvious enjoyment of the music.

Val Stevenson
nthposition.com [online magazine]

Dear London Trio,

A belated but heartfelt thanks for your delightful playing on our wedding day [on 10 September!]. We've just been watching our newly arrived DVD and its wonderful how the music created the perfect atmosphere for the dancing. We were particularly grateful for your skill in helping us make our first dance really memorable and enjoyable for us and our guests.

Best wishes.

Claire and Bernard
Fawley Court, Henley upon Thames

Dear Lucy & Trio,

I had to write to you to thank you personally for the memorable contribution your Piano Trio made to our wedding last month. You really did manage to raise the day from a good party to the elegant event we were hoping for. Without you the atmosphere at our special occasion just wouldn’t have been the same and I am now recommending you to everyone!

Many thanks from David and me for contributing so much to our wedding day.

Kind regards.

Elaine Peters
The Mill, Hazelmere, Surrey

Dear Penelope,

I would like to thank you so very much for playing in the garden at my birthday party. It really was a wonderful musical evening, and the best birthday present I could have had.

All my friends and family agreed that having live classical music in such a beautiful setting was totally wonderful. I will treasure the memories and hope it won't be long before we have the trio back to play. We have moved now and especially had you in mind when we insisted on lots of outdoor sockets!

Looking forward to seeing you again soon and once again many thanks for making my birthday so special.

Hazel
Maida Vale, London

Just a small note to let you know how grateful we are for adding a touch of class to our wedding. The location was perfect, the music and the professional way in which it was played created the 'divine' atmosphere that we wanted. Our guests were so impressed and that obviously made us very proud.

Dario and Maria Marra
Bickley Manor, Kent

Dear Penelope, Lucy and Richard,

On behalf of Adam and myself, I wanted to say a sincere thank you to the London Trio. Your charming personalities and inspiring musicality played a central role in creating the special atmosphere that we wanted for our wedding day. We were impressed at every level. From our very first meeting, you showed both imagination and sensitivity in responding to our ideas. In addition to making beautiful and appropriate suggestions for the musical elements of the ceremony, we were both surprised and grateful that you all went out of your way to identify, transpose and learn the tango that we were eager to have performed as we walked out at the end. We were deeply impressed by your energy and enthusiasm and know that the music you performed made a lasting impression on everyone who attended that day.

With best wishes.

Jemm
Michelham Priory, Sussex

Dear London Trio,

I am writing to thank the Trio for the wonderful performance you all gave at our son’s wedding. Your music created just the right effect during the ceremony, and the quality of your playing made it an absolute delight for everyone.

A number of our friends asked for your details which we were very happy to provide. I do hope we will have an opportunity to ask you to play again in the not too distant future.

With our sincere thanks,

Richard and Sandra Wiseman
Cuckfield, Sussex

Dear Penelope,

I want to thank you, Lucy and Sarah for providing us with such wonderful music throughout the evening. We had so many notes of thanks which express their delight, particularly with the food and the music. Live music makes such a difference to events like our party and the choice of music seemed to be just right.

Thank you again.

Kate and John Meltzer
Kew Gardens

Dear London Trio,

Thank you so much for playing so beautifully at our anniversary celebration. Your music certainly enhanced the atmosphere, so many of our guests told us afterwards how much they had enjoyed it.

We were delighted with your playing and have no hesitation in giving our warmest recommendation.

Vera and Stanley Coleman
The Mayfair Hotel